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ivana_kroeger's review against another edition
3.0
Esse é quarto livro da [a:Miranda Kenneally|4506073|Miranda Kenneally|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1466965428p2/4506073.jpg] que li e adoro a sua forma de escrever, ela te faz mergulhar na vida dos adolescentes que retrata e esquecer da sua.
Apesar de não ter gostado tanto de [b:Catching Jordan|9888775|Catching Jordan|Miranda Kenneally|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327875803l/9888775._SY75_.jpg|14780777], sou completamente apaixonada por [b:Stealing Parker|12551077|Stealing Parker|Miranda Kenneally|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1334451985l/12551077._SX50_.jpg|17552643] e [b:Breathe, Annie, Breathe|16045306|Breathe, Annie, Breathe|Miranda Kenneally|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1418736647l/16045306._SX50_.jpg|21823574], então minhas expectativas estavam altas em relação a [b:Things I Can't Forget|12551082|Things I Can't Forget|Miranda Kenneally|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1343855583l/12551082._SX50_.jpg|17552651]... e, bem, esse livro não é ruim - longe disso - mas não teve o mesmo impacto que os demais e a grande responsável por isso é a personagem principal, Kate.
Assim como no livro anterior, a religião é um tema amplamente abordado no livro, a autora trabalha com diversas questões de forma bastante realista, algumas com mais profundidade, porém a grande maioria fica apenas como um pensamento solto da personagem principal. Fica a sensação de que a autora teve medo de se posicionar, se permitindo apenas questionar sem levar a uma conclusão.
Kate é uma boa garota que sempre fez o certo - de acordo com os ensinamentos da sua igreja - mas que se vê questionando até que ponto faz sentido segui-los à risca e quais são os valores que ela realmente se identifica e deseja ter.
Dominada pela culpa de ter ajuda sua melhor amiga a fazer um aborto, a Kate passa o livro inteiro em uma jornada de descobrimento enquanto trabalha como conselheira em um acampamento de verão e se apaixona pela primeira vez por um colega de trabalho. O problema é que ela é uma personagem que se perde em meio a julgamentos precipitados e questionamentos muito egocêntricos pro meu gosto. Era de se esperar que ao fim do livro ela tivesse mudado de atitude mas, pra mim, mudou muito pouco e não convenceu.
Se a Kate acabou não agradando, o clima do acampamento e os outros personagens tornaram a leitura leve e trouxeram mais riqueza à narrativa. Também foi ótimo rever o Will e a Parker (como eu amo esse casal !!) e a Jordan e o Sam. Aliás, a Parker roubou a cena várias vezes e gostei muito de como ela explicou a sua relação com Deus e também teve papel importante para a evolução da Kate. O mundo precisa de mais Parkers!!
O romance com Matt é fofo, ele é um personagem fácil de se apaixonar com seu jeito divertido mas ao mesmo tempo respeitoso e que aceita a Kate tal como ela é. A dinâmica entre eles funciona e traz questionamentos legais sobre o papel da religião em um relacionamento entre jovens, onde os hormônios estão à flor da pele.
reddyrat's review against another edition
4.0
Miranda Kenneally's Hundred Oaks series is some of the best contemporary romance being published today. I love how she's made each book a standalone novel featuring different characters and situations, but also tying in the characters from previous books.
On the surface, Kate is not a likable character. She sees the world in terms of black and white. And if you're not following the straight and narrow, she'll say something about it. Not because she's trying to be mean, but because she wants to help other people make the right choice. Her judgmental nature was irritating at times, but I found her a very relatable character. As much as we want to think of ourselves as open-minded, most people have strong judgmental tendencies. We just might not say it out loud or even think it as blatantly as Kate.
The harsh judgment Kate imposes on people who are "sinning" is understandable given the narrow world in which she's been raised. In Things I Can't Forget, Kate learns that the world is far more gray than she ever realized. Good Christian boys drink and join frats. "Bad girls" like Parker are lonely and need friends. What I liked best about Kate was that she was willing to open her mind when her beliefs are challenged. I also admired Kate's inner character. Even as she learned not to look at others too harshly, she tried to live by her own high standards, not just follow what everyone else does.
The romance between Matt and Kate is very cute. There's not as much banter as in Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker. The characters are open and joke around enough to keep things entertaining, but Kate is not the type of character that you'd expect to be full of snark. Neither is Matt. He's a sweet, laid-back guy but also introspective and quiet. An odd combination of good ol' frat boy and emo lyricist. There's more heat than I would have anticipated. The book is an interesting combination of young adult and new adult given that the characters range from about 18 to 20.
I admire Ms. Kenneally for her prominent portrayal of religion in Things I Can't Forget and Stealing Parker. It's a place where most authors fear to tread, which is sad given that religion plays a very important role in many teens' lives - whether that's a good or bad thing. I think the description of religious characters is very fair. You do see the dark side of conservative Christianity, where righteous judging looks more like ignorant hatred, but you also see good people who care about others and try to make the world a better place. Much better than the flat "all good" or "all bad" judgments that you see too often in literature.
Miranda Kenneally's books keep getting better. Things I Can't Forget features a strong character who finds a handsome guy like in most romances, but most importantly grows into a more open-minded, better person over the course of the book - which is more important than any boy could ever be. I can't wait to read the next Hundred Oaks book!
Rating: 4 / 5
On the surface, Kate is not a likable character. She sees the world in terms of black and white. And if you're not following the straight and narrow, she'll say something about it. Not because she's trying to be mean, but because she wants to help other people make the right choice. Her judgmental nature was irritating at times, but I found her a very relatable character. As much as we want to think of ourselves as open-minded, most people have strong judgmental tendencies. We just might not say it out loud or even think it as blatantly as Kate.
The harsh judgment Kate imposes on people who are "sinning" is understandable given the narrow world in which she's been raised. In Things I Can't Forget, Kate learns that the world is far more gray than she ever realized. Good Christian boys drink and join frats. "Bad girls" like Parker are lonely and need friends. What I liked best about Kate was that she was willing to open her mind when her beliefs are challenged. I also admired Kate's inner character. Even as she learned not to look at others too harshly, she tried to live by her own high standards, not just follow what everyone else does.
The romance between Matt and Kate is very cute. There's not as much banter as in Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker. The characters are open and joke around enough to keep things entertaining, but Kate is not the type of character that you'd expect to be full of snark. Neither is Matt. He's a sweet, laid-back guy but also introspective and quiet. An odd combination of good ol' frat boy and emo lyricist. There's more heat than I would have anticipated. The book is an interesting combination of young adult and new adult given that the characters range from about 18 to 20.
I admire Ms. Kenneally for her prominent portrayal of religion in Things I Can't Forget and Stealing Parker. It's a place where most authors fear to tread, which is sad given that religion plays a very important role in many teens' lives - whether that's a good or bad thing. I think the description of religious characters is very fair. You do see the dark side of conservative Christianity, where righteous judging looks more like ignorant hatred, but you also see good people who care about others and try to make the world a better place. Much better than the flat "all good" or "all bad" judgments that you see too often in literature.
Miranda Kenneally's books keep getting better. Things I Can't Forget features a strong character who finds a handsome guy like in most romances, but most importantly grows into a more open-minded, better person over the course of the book - which is more important than any boy could ever be. I can't wait to read the next Hundred Oaks book!
Rating: 4 / 5
haleyelisereads's review against another edition
3.0
Things I Can't Forget was a pretty good read, I enjoyed the romance, there was a nice variety of characters, but what I really loved was the strong showing of character development with our main character Kate.
Although I personally enjoyed Things I Can't Forget, it is not a read that is for everyone. If you are someone that does not like to read anything with any type of religion involved, then this is a pass for you. Going into Things I Can't Forget you really have to keep an open mind. Kate is a very religious girl, she believes it is bad to have sex before marriage, to be gay, and have abortions. She believes that people that do these things may go to hell. Now she doesn't think these things in a rude way, like "oh she is SO going to hell" but more of a concerning way, like she is worried for the person that is committing these sins.
For me personally it was hard to connect with Kate since I am not a religious person, alot of times I found her to be very judgmental of people and I really wouldn't like her. But as the book progresses you start to see Kate grow and she learns that her beliefs are not the only beliefs out there, and that people don't follow her same way of thinking. She eventually learns that what she believes in for herself is all that matters, and that people are allowed to believe in what they believe in, even if it is not her own and she doesn't understand.
The moral of this story is a good one, and I really believe if you can push past the religious talk without getting mad then you should pick this up. The romance was SO adorable that it had me gigglin out loud, the friends of Kate were each different and most of them were quite funny. Overall, Things I Can't Forget ended on an awesome note.
Sidenote: I liked this book enough that I am going to read books 1 and 2 in the Hundred Oaks series.
Although I personally enjoyed Things I Can't Forget, it is not a read that is for everyone. If you are someone that does not like to read anything with any type of religion involved, then this is a pass for you. Going into Things I Can't Forget you really have to keep an open mind. Kate is a very religious girl, she believes it is bad to have sex before marriage, to be gay, and have abortions. She believes that people that do these things may go to hell. Now she doesn't think these things in a rude way, like "oh she is SO going to hell" but more of a concerning way, like she is worried for the person that is committing these sins.
For me personally it was hard to connect with Kate since I am not a religious person, alot of times I found her to be very judgmental of people and I really wouldn't like her. But as the book progresses you start to see Kate grow and she learns that her beliefs are not the only beliefs out there, and that people don't follow her same way of thinking. She eventually learns that what she believes in for herself is all that matters, and that people are allowed to believe in what they believe in, even if it is not her own and she doesn't understand.
The moral of this story is a good one, and I really believe if you can push past the religious talk without getting mad then you should pick this up. The romance was SO adorable that it had me gigglin out loud, the friends of Kate were each different and most of them were quite funny. Overall, Things I Can't Forget ended on an awesome note.
Sidenote: I liked this book enough that I am going to read books 1 and 2 in the Hundred Oaks series.
sophia_she1's review against another edition
4.0
this one's complicated for me, even if it aligns with what i believe. is it nice reading about a ton of progressive christians in middle tennessee? yeah sure. is it realistic? i don't really know. a big plot point is how her faith is being challenged because other christians aren't as legalistic as her. yet she talks about how she was bullied for being a jesus freak in high school even though she's never really known non-christians? but if you take that little wrinkle out, it's really a very thought-provoking book. even though keneally writes it to where the "right" thing is very clear, the main character never comes to believe that, which allows for there to be some debate. i don't know i just always forget what miranda keneally is like
imys's review against another edition
3.0
the main ship and the characters were so, so cute...but im still not sure about how i feel about the plot of the book itself.
melg14's review against another edition
4.0
First off, Kate was really annoying. I don't really care much for religion but her faith was too much and she was too judgmental. Don't get me wrong she was still entertaining to read about and she definitely got better through the book.
Matt was adorable- like all Kenneally's love interests. He was sweet, sensitive, funny, and what-not.
I wish they didn't do the same transformation as Stealing Parker. Like the guy turns from geek to God! I dislike when transformations are similar to the authors' previous books. Don't get me wrong their love story was still cute but to be honest I didn't care much about them. They didn't stand out much to make me swoon.
Parker and Will still are my favorite couple out of the three books so far.
I loved that they were in this book a lot! I mean like I squealed every time I read a scene with them. The reader gets to find out what is going on with them. They are still cute!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!! I just want a sequel to their story!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sure Parker could get really annoying but I like Parker so I tolerated it. And Will is just- gah- LOVEABLE!
Jordan and Sam Henry have a cameo together too!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sure it was only one scene, but it was still memorable! The reader gets a brief update on how Jordan feels about the distant relationship with Sam during college. Jordan is still kickass by the way.
I cannot WAIT! for December!- for Racing Savannah! I want to know what happens to everyone! Ugh but I'm also dreading the new characters. It's like Degrassi. New generations come and I don't like that much. I feel like after I find out about my favorites I'll stop reading the series, but only if I don't like the new generations, but I most likely will like them because Kenneally is an amazing writer. And I totally called it that Ty's sister and Will's middle brother, Rory, will be in the next book!
Oh my god and the wedding! I want to say that it's Parker's father's, because I do not believe my characters would get married yet. But we will see.
Matt was adorable- like all Kenneally's love interests. He was sweet, sensitive, funny, and what-not.
I wish they didn't do the same transformation as Stealing Parker. Like the guy turns from geek to God! I dislike when transformations are similar to the authors' previous books. Don't get me wrong their love story was still cute but to be honest I didn't care much about them. They didn't stand out much to make me swoon.
Parker and Will still are my favorite couple out of the three books so far.
I loved that they were in this book a lot! I mean like I squealed every time I read a scene with them. The reader gets to find out what is going on with them. They are still cute!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!! I just want a sequel to their story!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sure Parker could get really annoying but I like Parker so I tolerated it. And Will is just- gah- LOVEABLE!
Jordan and Sam Henry have a cameo together too!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sure it was only one scene, but it was still memorable! The reader gets a brief update on how Jordan feels about the distant relationship with Sam during college. Jordan is still kickass by the way.
I cannot WAIT! for December!- for Racing Savannah! I want to know what happens to everyone! Ugh but I'm also dreading the new characters. It's like Degrassi. New generations come and I don't like that much. I feel like after I find out about my favorites I'll stop reading the series, but only if I don't like the new generations, but I most likely will like them because Kenneally is an amazing writer. And I totally called it that Ty's sister and Will's middle brother, Rory, will be in the next book!
Oh my god and the wedding! I want to say that it's Parker's father's, because I do not believe my characters would get married yet. But we will see.
lisawreading's review against another edition
3.0
I love Miranda Kenneally's books, but this one bogged down a bit for me. The main characters spends an awful lot of time worrying about being a good Christian and her (and everyone else's) relationship with God. Even though ultimately the message is about being true to yourself while respecting other people's choices, the religious aspects felt a bit too heavy-handed at times. Still, I always enjoy this writer's books, and think they send a positive message about identity, figuring out your own life and beliefs, and being a good friend.
brandypainter's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
This was my first experience with a Miranda Kenneally book and I have to say I'm very impressed. The books have been on my radar for a while now but it was one of those times where I wanted to give them a try instead of committing to buy. When my library purchased a copy of Things I Can't Forget, I couldn't wait to dive in.
Kate is a bit obnoxious. She is exceedingly flawed as a main character, but I liked it. She is judgmental, self-righteous, and incredibly narrow minded, as is any one who has lived a sheltered life and only heard one point of view through all of it. She has grown up in a loving home and going to church. As a people pleaser, she is determined to do what makes her parents happy, what her pastor says is right, and what she thinks will please God. This is why her character works for me. She isn't trying to be a holier-than-thou mean girl. She simply has never been forced to see past her own nose so much before. What I enjoyed, was how realistic a portrayal this is. As someone who grew up in a Christian home, is still a Christian, and raising my children with Christian teachings, I can tell you that I see this scenario played out so many times, particularly with girls who have parents (or attend churches) who are more concerned with outward appearances than inward realities. I really enjoyed Kate's journey through this book as she confronts her guilt, the reality of how awful and legalistic she can be toward others, and how she can reconcile her faith with the world around around her. I love how she chooses to stay the course of her faith on some things, but to relax her rigid stance on others.
The plot of the book is all wrapped up in Kate's journey of discovery and romance with Matt. It is also about the relationship with her best friend and her relationship with God. I love Kenneally connected all of them so well and resolved all of them.
Basically I love how real this book is. I wish that there were more books out there like this that dealt with the struggles of Christian teens in such a real and honest way. Many of the kids who were Christian counselors at the camp are making up their own theology as they go, but that's a problem in the American evangelical church across the board. I think this book does an excellent job of reflecting the reality that is there. I want every teen I know to read this and find someone to discuss it with. I definitely want a copy to have around for Bit when she's old enough to confront some of these issues.
I will definitely be reading all the other books Kenneally has written now. I'm very interested in Parker's story based on what I got of it from this one. I'm only sorry I waited so long.
This was my first experience with a Miranda Kenneally book and I have to say I'm very impressed. The books have been on my radar for a while now but it was one of those times where I wanted to give them a try instead of committing to buy. When my library purchased a copy of Things I Can't Forget, I couldn't wait to dive in.
Kate is a bit obnoxious. She is exceedingly flawed as a main character, but I liked it. She is judgmental, self-righteous, and incredibly narrow minded, as is any one who has lived a sheltered life and only heard one point of view through all of it. She has grown up in a loving home and going to church. As a people pleaser, she is determined to do what makes her parents happy, what her pastor says is right, and what she thinks will please God. This is why her character works for me. She isn't trying to be a holier-than-thou mean girl. She simply has never been forced to see past her own nose so much before. What I enjoyed, was how realistic a portrayal this is. As someone who grew up in a Christian home, is still a Christian, and raising my children with Christian teachings, I can tell you that I see this scenario played out so many times, particularly with girls who have parents (or attend churches) who are more concerned with outward appearances than inward realities. I really enjoyed Kate's journey through this book as she confronts her guilt, the reality of how awful and legalistic she can be toward others, and how she can reconcile her faith with the world around around her. I love how she chooses to stay the course of her faith on some things, but to relax her rigid stance on others.
The plot of the book is all wrapped up in Kate's journey of discovery and romance with Matt. It is also about the relationship with her best friend and her relationship with God. I love Kenneally connected all of them so well and resolved all of them.
Basically I love how real this book is. I wish that there were more books out there like this that dealt with the struggles of Christian teens in such a real and honest way. Many of the kids who were Christian counselors at the camp are making up their own theology as they go, but that's a problem in the American evangelical church across the board. I think this book does an excellent job of reflecting the reality that is there. I want every teen I know to read this and find someone to discuss it with. I definitely want a copy to have around for Bit when she's old enough to confront some of these issues.
I will definitely be reading all the other books Kenneally has written now. I'm very interested in Parker's story based on what I got of it from this one. I'm only sorry I waited so long.
kaylareadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
As someone who has gone to the same sleep-away camp for ten consecutive summers, five as a camper and then five as a staff member, and has experienced the sleep away camp magic, this book was one that made me feel warm and fuzzy. There was one summer that sticks out more than others in my mind, and that had me questioning who I am and my beliefs too.
For those of you who haven’t been to camp, let me try to explain it. It’s the most magical place ever. You place twelve kids in a bunk together, which two 18-22 year olds in charge of them. The two 18-22 year olds started out as strangers, rather it be at this same camp or even two week ago, slowly become each others person. They spend nights staying up late laughing, crying, venting, watching silly video, telling stories. Everything. I have met my ride or die best friends at camp, I have fallen in love at camp, I grew more than I every thought while being at camp.
Then we have the twelve kids, they all came into this bunk on that first day as strangers. They know NOTHING about the kid next to them, and then twenty minutes later they are all laughing and talking as if they have known each other forever. They build connections with their counselors that are out of this world. My campers are my babies, I have been through so much with them. You do NOT mess with someones campers, its like a sibling bond but almost more intense. From dealing with a sick parent, a parent coming home from jail, a divorce, unexpected move, eating disorders and so much more. I have taught them things and they have taught me so much. (I could go on for DAYS all about how much I love camp.)
Sorry, back to our regular programming.
I loved this book so much because I can relate Kate in so many ways. My faith is so important to me, and I always wonder how people who say they believe do things that we were always taught in school aren’t so good.
Kate is an artist whose faith means the world to her. She returns back to her summer camp as the art director during the summer before her freshman year to college. She meets new friends, falls in love and make some enemies too. This all while trying to make sense of her faith and her friendships.
I always try to explain camp to those who have never been and this book is a good way of showing it. It’s kids falling in love for the first time, making new friends, pushing the limits, trying new things. It’s counselors falling in love, making new friends, bonding with their campers, breaking the rules, doing crazy stuff and so much more.
I love how much Kate developed in this book. She starts off being not so willing to see things from others people perspectives and slowly becomes more open-minded, befriending people she thought she had to stay far away from in order to protect her faith.
Let’s talk about Matt. He’s perfect. He’s a very hunky lifeguard (lifeguards are the source of all summer relationship troubles, I mean have you ever watched High School Musical 2? Gabriella is not nice to Troy!) He’s caring, has a heart of gold, his family is the best, he’s a frat guy and funny. He shows his worth when Kate tells him she wants to wait for marriage.
I loved this book so much for so many different reasons. It’s in a sleep-away camp, it deals with questioning your faith, waiting for marriage, and friendship.
For those of you who haven’t been to camp, let me try to explain it. It’s the most magical place ever. You place twelve kids in a bunk together, which two 18-22 year olds in charge of them. The two 18-22 year olds started out as strangers, rather it be at this same camp or even two week ago, slowly become each others person. They spend nights staying up late laughing, crying, venting, watching silly video, telling stories. Everything. I have met my ride or die best friends at camp, I have fallen in love at camp, I grew more than I every thought while being at camp.
Then we have the twelve kids, they all came into this bunk on that first day as strangers. They know NOTHING about the kid next to them, and then twenty minutes later they are all laughing and talking as if they have known each other forever. They build connections with their counselors that are out of this world. My campers are my babies, I have been through so much with them. You do NOT mess with someones campers, its like a sibling bond but almost more intense. From dealing with a sick parent, a parent coming home from jail, a divorce, unexpected move, eating disorders and so much more. I have taught them things and they have taught me so much. (I could go on for DAYS all about how much I love camp.)
Sorry, back to our regular programming.
I loved this book so much because I can relate Kate in so many ways. My faith is so important to me, and I always wonder how people who say they believe do things that we were always taught in school aren’t so good.
Kate is an artist whose faith means the world to her. She returns back to her summer camp as the art director during the summer before her freshman year to college. She meets new friends, falls in love and make some enemies too. This all while trying to make sense of her faith and her friendships.
I always try to explain camp to those who have never been and this book is a good way of showing it. It’s kids falling in love for the first time, making new friends, pushing the limits, trying new things. It’s counselors falling in love, making new friends, bonding with their campers, breaking the rules, doing crazy stuff and so much more.
I love how much Kate developed in this book. She starts off being not so willing to see things from others people perspectives and slowly becomes more open-minded, befriending people she thought she had to stay far away from in order to protect her faith.
Let’s talk about Matt. He’s perfect. He’s a very hunky lifeguard (lifeguards are the source of all summer relationship troubles, I mean have you ever watched High School Musical 2? Gabriella is not nice to Troy!) He’s caring, has a heart of gold, his family is the best, he’s a frat guy and funny. He shows his worth when Kate tells him she wants to wait for marriage.
I loved this book so much for so many different reasons. It’s in a sleep-away camp, it deals with questioning your faith, waiting for marriage, and friendship.